“And what are you doing for the 31st?” Every year, the nagging question is asked to every acquaintance we meet at the corner of a street. First there are those who are obliged to work (nurses, firefighters, train or metro drivers, police officers, etc.), then those who have done so in advance (sometimes months ), that they can draw up a detailed plan in two parts and three sub-parts of their New Year’s feasts (names of guests and wines included), those who always take it hard but who have known once again find a last minute plan with good Samaritan friends and then, those, perhaps a little embarrassed around, who prefer to dodge or tell a fib.
This category of die-hards – according to a recent Ipsos survey15% of French people surveyed spend New Year’s Eve alone and 27% as a couple – among many others do not dare to confess, perhaps wrongly, that this year (again), they will do nothing, preferring to spread bacchanalia of virulent winter viruses, an evening under a blanket in front of a film, a video game or a good book – which in no way excludes a few chocolates, a glass of wine or a glass of champagne.
Butternut soup
They are right: there is neither shame, nor guilt, nor dishonor in not celebrating with great fanfare the transition to the new year, an old Catholic celebration which, secularized, allows us to remember with joy that time passes and faster and faster with age. On the contrary, and this could be part of our resolutions for 2025: it is good to listen to ourselves and not to comply with all societal injunctions, in particular to party when we do not feel the need, the taste, passion or enthusiasm.
Want to stay in your pajamas on New Year’s Eve? It’s okay. Would you like butternut soup and bed at 9 p.m.? It’s okay. Out of the question of kissing ten strangers at midnight while wishing them all your best wishes? It’s okay. What’s more, this is a perfect opportunity to start Dry January a day earlier and thus preserve a few life points. We will also say the opposite: it is good to celebrate the New Year until midnight with endless parties – in moderation and taking care of others – if that is the wish of the demon in each of us. We. While ensuring that listening to yourself does not become a new injunction.
Source: www.liberation.fr
